Automatic air and oil regulator for rotary burners



W. R. RAY.

AUTOMATIC AIR AND OIL REGULATOR FOR ROTARY BURNERS. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 28. I920.

1 ,406,4 1 4. Patented Feb. 14, 1922.v

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

FIG'QI.

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0 o o 42- o o o o o o o o 0 [NV EN'IOR W/LLMM R. R14) Arron Nays W. R. RAY. AUTOMATIC AIR AND OIL REGULATOR FOR ROTARY BuRNERs.

APPLICATION FlLED JAN.28| 1920.

Patented Feb. 14, 1922.

s SHEGRTSSHEET 2 FIG. 2.

Y CZW- W. R. RAY. AUTOMATICAIR AND OIL REGULATOR FOR ROTARY BURNERS. APPLICATION FILED .lA N.28,1920.

1,40 6 ,41 4, Patented Feb. 14, 1922 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

\ ll O A'r'rou says UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM R. RAY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 14, 1922.

Application filed January 28, 1920, Serial No. 354,711.

To all whom 51 may concern Be it known that I, VILLIAM R. RAY, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city and county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Automatic Air and Oil Regulators for Rotary Burners, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an automatic air and oil regulator for rotary burners and the like and especially to means for automatically varying the air flow through the burner as the fires are increased or decreased.

It is well known that the steam pressure in a boiler changes or fluctuates under variations in load. It is general practice when oil burners are employed to change the oil pressure and thereby the size of the fires under the boilers, such change in the fire increasing or decreasing the furnace temperature and consequently the volume of steam generated. To efiiciently burn the changed amount of fuel, it is necessary to change the rate of air flow through the furnace: for instance, by changing the damper opening under the grate bars, or the position of the air regulator at the front of the furnace.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a simple, substantial and easily installed mechanism whereby the air intake of the burner blower or the furnace front regulator, or both, may be automatically adjusted to vary the air flow through the furnace. Further, to provide means which operates in unison with the burners, or the oil under pressure delivered thereto, so that a proportional supply of air and oil will be maintained at all times.

Another object of the invention is to provide a regulator which is actuated by variations of the oil under pressure delivered to the burner. Further to provide means actuated by the steam ressure of the boiler for automatically varying the oil pressure delivered to the burner.

Further objects will hereinafter appear.

The invention consists of the parts and the construction, combination and arrange.- ment of parts as hereinafter more fully described and claimed, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichig. 1 is a front v1ew of a boiler and fur-' nace showing the application of inveni011:

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the diaphragm actuated valve.

Fig. 3 is a cross section on line 3-3, of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the draft regulator, showing its connection with the blower intake shutter.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A indicates in general a boiler and 2 the furnace front. Suitably supported with relation to said furnace front is an oil burner 3, the type of burner employed in the present invention being such as shown in my patent entitled Oil burner, issued November 19, 1918, No. 1,285,376. A burner of this character consists of an electric motor 4, a fan housing, and a rotary atomizer which is secured on the motor shaft and rotated thereby. The fan housing contains a high pressure blower which delivers air to the furnace in close proximity to the rotary atomizer, and it is also provided with an air damper 6 whereby the volume of air admitted to the blower is controlled. The motor shaft is hollow and the oil employed for combustion is delivered through said shaft to the rotary atomizer by means of a pipe 7 This pipe is otherwise connected with a pumping set not here shown which delivers a predetermined quantity of oil under constant pressure.

Placed on the pipe 7 is a diaphragm actuated valve generally indicated at B. This valve is connected with the steam dome of the boiler by means of a pipe 8 and it serves the function of varying the oil pressure in the pipe 7 between the valve B and the burner proper. The diaphragm actuated valve will remain open as long as the pressure in the boiler proper is below a predetermined pressure, and the pressure of the .oil delivered to the burner through the pipe 7 will then be at its maximum. The 1aphragm valve will, however, automatically close the moment a predetermined steam pressure is obtained in the boiler and the oil supplied through thepipe 7 is then regulated by a by-pass formed in the valve, said by-pass beingso regulated that the pressure of the oil in the pi e 7 between the diaphragm valve and t e burner will be considerably lowered. In other words, the diaphra m valve serves two functions, that of main aiming a large fire when the boiler pressure is ow and a small fire when a predetermined boiler pressure has been reached/ The diaphragm valve is constructed substantially as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. It consists of a casing B, on the upper end of which is mounted a diaphragm 9. This diaphragm is held upon the casing by means of a head member 10. and a chamber is thus formed above the diaphragm to which steam is admitted by means of the pipe 3. Formed integral with or secured to the lower end of the casing B is a valve casing 11 and mounted in said valve casing is a valve 12 which is directly connected with the diaphragm by means of a stem 13. Surrounding the stem 13 is a coil spring 14. This coil spring is interposed between the dia-.

phragm and an adjusting nut 15. Adjust-- ment of this nut increases or decreases the tension on the diaphragm and therefore provides a manual control whereby the movement of the diaphragm valve may be regu lated to suit varying boiler pressures. The valve casing 11 is divided into two compartments 16 and 17. The oil from the pumping system enters the chamber 16 and it passes by the valve into the chamber 17 before it enters the pipe 7 and the oil burner connected therewith. The valve 12 either assumes a closed position or an open position. it being open when the boiler pressure is low and closed when the steam in the boiler has reached a predetermined pressure. hen the valve 12 is open a big fire is maintained as the oil is permitted to pass freely through the valve and the pipe 7. \Vith the valve 12 closed it is obvious that no oil will enter the pipe 7 and the burner connected therewith. and the fire will thus become extinguished unless a by-pass connection is provided. This by-pass is formed in the valve casing 11 proper and itis regulated by means of a valve 18. This valve materially restricts the flow of oil through the casing 11 or the chambers 16 and 17 and it therefore reduces the pressure of the oil in the pipe 7 A small fire is therefore maintained when the valve 12 is closed.

From the foregoing description it should be obvious that the oil pressure in the pipe 7 is either high or low. For the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, we will assume that the oil pressure in the pipe 7 is 40 pounds when the valve 12 is open and 20 pounds when the oil passes through the by-pass valve 18. As stated in the preamble of this specification one of the main objects is to provide an automatic air damper whereby theair flow through the burner may be varied as the size of the fire is increased or decreased. This is accomplished inthe following manner.

Suitably secured with relation to the burner is a draft regulator generally indicated at C. This regulator. (see ig'. 4) consists of a casing 19 in which is mounted a compressible flexible tube 20. One end-ofthe tube is closed by means oI a head member 21 while the opposite end is open and is secured in the upper portion of the casing as at Formed on the upper end of the casing is a guide bearing 23 and extending in the guide bearing 23 and surrounding the rod 21 is an adjusting nut 25, and interposed between said nut and the head member 21 is a coil spring 26. Also mounted on the upper end of the casing C is a guide bracket 27 and a bearing bracket 28, and pivotally mounted in the bearing bracket as at 29 is a lever 30. This lever engages the upper end of the rod 24 and is moved thereby. Forming a connection between the lever 30 and the air damper 6 is a link 31, and forming an adjustment between the lever 30 and the rod 24 is a screw 32.

Formed exterior of the compressible flexible tube 20 is a chamber 33, and connecting said chamber with the pipe 7 is a pipe 34. This pipe maintains an oil pressure in the chamber 33. said pressure conforming to the pressure in the pipe 7. that is, increased oil pressure in pipe 7 will produce increased pressure in the chamber 33 and conversely a decrease therein when the pressure in the pipe 7 is lowered, and as the tube 20 is flexible and compressible it can readily be seen that it will be slightly compressed with an increase in the oil pressure. and that it will correspondingly expand when the oil pressure is lowered. Such expansion or contraction of the tube 20 is transmitted by the head member 21 and the rod 24 to move the lever 30 and it is in turn transmitted through the link 31 to the damper 6 which is turned and thereby opened or closed. Lowering of the oil pressure in the chamber 33 undera small fire permits the tube 20 to expand. This expanding movement is transmitted to partially close the damper 6, thereby decreasing the volume of air passing through the blower and delivered to the furnace when a small fire is burning. Increase of pressure in the chamber 33 will compress the tube 20 and thereby transmit a movement which will open the damper 6 and correspondingly increase the volume of airadmitted to the blower and discharging into the furnace. A constant proportion of air and fuel is therefore maintained and it is automatically regulated by variationof oil pressure in the pipe 7 as this is directly connected with the automatic regulator C. If it is desired to open and close the damper door shown at 40 in unison with the damper 6, it is possible to accomplish it by attaching an arm 41 and a chain 42, said chain being connected at one end with the lever 30 and at its opposite end with the crank arm 41. Both air controls employed in connection with the furnace front may therefore be simultaneously operated or independently operated and their movements may furthermore be regulated by means of the adjusting screw 32.

The tension of the spring 26, as previously stated, may be varied by means of the adj ustin nut 25. This usually remains undisturbe and is only adjusted when the pressure in the pipe line 7 is increased or decreased.

From the foregoing description it can be seen that I have provided means actuated by the steam pressure in the boiler for varying thep ressure of the oil delivered to the burner. Secondly that I have provided means actuated by said variation in oil pressure for automatically controlling the volume of airdelivered to the furnace, said air volume being automatically maintained so that a fixed proportion of fuel and air is delivered at all times.

While the constructionv of the regulator shown in Fig. 4: is more or less specific, I wish it understood that variations in design and proportion may be resorted to within the, scope of, the appended claims, further that the materials and finish of the several parts employed may be such as the experi ence and judgment of the manufacturer may dictate or various uses may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. The combination with a boiler and a furnace, of an oil burner for the furnace, means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, means actuated by the steam pressure in the boiler for varying the pressure of oil delivered to the burner, and means actuated by variations in the oil pressure for automatically varying air flow through the furnace.

2. The combination with a boiler and furnace,'of an oil burner for the furnace, means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, adamper adapted to regulate air flow through the furnace, means actuated by the steam pressure of the boiler for varying the pressure of the oil delivered to the burner, and means actuated by variations in the oil pressure for automatically changing the position of the damper.

3. The combination with an air regulating damper in a boiler and furnace and a burner for the furnace, means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, means for varying the pressure of the oil as the steam pressure in the boiler changes. and means actuated by variations in the oil pressure for automatically changing the position of the damper.

4. The combination with a boiler and a furnace. of an'oil burner for the furnace. means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, a damper adapted to regulate air flow through the furnace, a valve interposed between the burner and the means for delivering'oil under pressure thereto, a steam actuated diaphragm adapted to open and close said valve, and means for partially opening and closing the damper in unison with the valve.

5. The combination with a boiler and a furnace, of an oil burner for the furnace, means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, a damper adapted. to regulate air flow through the furnace. a valve interposed between the burner and the means for delivering oil under pressure thereto, a steam actuated diaphragm adapted to open and close said valve to vary the pressure-of the oil delivered to the burner. and means actuated by the variations in the oil pressure for automatically changing the position of the damper.

6. The combination with a boiler and furnace. of an oil burner for the furnace, means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, a valve adapted to open and close the flow of oil to the burner. a by-pass valve cooperating therewith permitting a reduced flow of oil to the burner. a diaphragm actuated by boiler' pressure connected with the first named valve to open or close the same, a damper for admitting air to the furnace, and an automatic regulator cooperating with the diaphragm to partially close the damper when the diaphragm valve is closed and to practically open the damper when the valve is open.

7. The combination with a boiler and furnace, of an oil burner for the furnace, means for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, a valve adapted to open and close the flow of oil to the burner. a bypass valve cooperating therewith permitting a reduced flow of oil to the burner, a diaph agm actuated by boiler pressure connected with the first named valve to open or close the same, a damper for admitting air to the furnace, an automatic regulator cooperating with the diaphragm to partially close the damper when the diaphragm valve isclosed and to practically open the damper when the valve is open, and manually actuated means for changing the position of the damper independent of said automatic regulator.

8. The combination with a boiler and furna'ce. of an oil burner for the furnace. a pipe for delivering oilunder pressure to the burner. said pipe receiving oil under con stant pressure, a valve on said pipe adapted to open or close the flow of oil therethrough, a diaphragm actuated by the steam pres sure in the boiler for opening or closing the valve. a by-pass valve cooperating therewith permitting a reduced flow of oil through the pipe to the burner. a damper for admit ting air to the furnace, and means automatically actuated by the pressure of the oil.

delivered to the burner for changing the position of the damper as the oil pressure increases or decreases.

9. The combination with a boiler and furnace. of an oil burner for the furnace, a pipe for delivering oil under pressure to the burner, said pipe receiving oil under constant pressure, a valve on said pipe adapted to open or close the flow of oil therethrough, a diaphragm actuated by the steam pressure in the boiler for opening or closing the valve, a bypass valve cooperating therewith permitting a reduced flow of oil through the pipe to the burner, a. damper for admitting air to the furnace, means automatically actuated by the pressure of .the oil delivered to the burner for changing the position of the damper as the oil pressure increases or decreases, said means comprising a casing, a flexible tube within the casing, a chamber formed between the casing and said tube with the oil delivering pipe, and means for transmitting movement of the flexible tube when extended or contracted by variations in oil pressure to change the position of the damper.

10. The combination with a boiler and furnace, of an oil burner for the furnace, a

pipe for delivering oil under pressure to they burner, said pipe receiving oil under constant pressure, a valve on said pipeadapted to open or close the flow of oil therethrough, a diaphragm actuated by the steam pressure in the boiler for opening or closing the valve, a by-pass valve cooperating there -my hand in the with ermitting a reduced flow of Oil throug the pipe to the burner, a damper for admitting air to the furnace, means automatically actuated by the pressure of the oil delivered to the burner for changing the position of the damper as the oil pressure increases or decreases, said means comprising a casing, a flexible tube within the casing, achamber formed between the casing ing therewith, means for delivering oil un-' .der pressure to the burner, means actuated by the steam pressure in the boiler for varying theipressure of the oil delivered to the burner, and means actuated by the variations in the oil pressure for varying the volume of air admitted to the burner.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM R. RAY;

Witnesses 

